10,9,8.........Happy New Year!!!!

Baby WillyWag Tails

Happy New Year's Eve.   

It's that time of year again when we are either jubilant, relieved or indifferent. At the stroke of midnight we shall all move from 2016 to 2017 and in a heartbeat we will start the cycle of a new year once again. For some of us, we will merrily countdown 10, 9, 8 .... you know the drill, and then kiss anything that breathes, others will dream through the whole event, some of us will sit and reflect on a year that has been, while others will look forward to achieving those fabulous new year's resolutions.  So how are you bringing in the new year?  For me I am home alone (abandoned by my shift-worker husband and partying teenage daughter), tapping away at this keyboard, savouring a glass of red, and musing about what 2017 may have in store. I've never been a new year's resolution kind of girl, I prefer to work with whatever is thrown my way, and this year is no different. In fact, I don't think I could have wished for the past year and even tried to pre-empt the many challenges we faced; nor could I have imagined the highs and lows we have experienced. But we have thrived and definitely survived with the help of special friends, neighbours and the internet! 

Freshly cut hay

We have finished the year with hay cut, sold and the remaining bales safely stacked away; calves have been weaned from their mothers (despite much objection from mothers and babes alike) and the chicken pen is now complete (except for where the calves jumped through the fence trying to get back for their mother's milk) - so lucky they are not steaks right now!! The landscape is rapidly changing with the grass growth slowing and the once luscious green having now turned a pale yellow colour, crunching underfoot as the harsh summer sun dries the paddocks out. With increasing temperatures, water is a priority for the animals and it will be a relief when an efficient watering system is put in place.  

Bumper season

The farm has undertaken quite a transformation since we moved in and I have no doubt it will continue to thrive and develop into 2017 but the reality is without time (and an endless bank account) it is a slow and sometimes heartbreaking process. Farming, whether on a small or large scale is not for the feint hearted, it is however, for the determined and brave-hearted, it is a wonderful lifestyle (except when there's a heatwave-then it's the pits). Speaking of heatwaves, the lead up to Christmas saw us all stretched a little more than usual with fatigue our best friend. For me, undertaking seven weeks of intensive training for a new role, finishing a few days before Christmas and then launching into the realms of shift work with 12 hour days, during a heatwave, was hardly blissful. Christmas day started early with the animals' welfare a major consideration when the forecast announced 37 degrees and for once they were not wrong - scorching sun was the order of the day, making it a hot sticky affair. We knew we would be away all day so it was important they would be ok. Despite the forecast, my dad ventured out from the nursing home and lasted until mid afternoon before needing a rest, not bad when your 82. The day was filled with festivities, food and gifts. Celebrating at three different locations the day ended here, around small campfire under millions of stars. It was just beautiful.

Scooby(Ruby), Mia and Penny

 We also introduced a new pup into the mix this week - Ruby (otherwise affectionately called Scooby so as not to confuse her with the neighbours dog) is a small bundle of five-month old cuteness. A combination of Border Collie and Jack Russell she is happily running amok with Penny and Mia. Having already mastered the ride on the quad bike she is a quick learner and already showing signs of a good farm dog.   

Scooby and D

So here I am, me, the two cats and three dogs, sharing this calm, balmy new year's eve night together, sending messages of thankfulness and best wishes to the special people in my world and thinking of those who have left us. I am not melancholy but content in the knowledge that I am blessed beyond measure. Whatever 2017 brings, it will be ok.  So, whatever it is you are doing right now, however you choose to bring in the New Year, I wish you happiness and joy the whole year through.  

Thank you for sharing our Rivergum journey and I look forward to writing to you all throughout 2017. 

Happy New Year 

Until next time,

N